In a disappointing showdown between Penn State and Ohio State, the Lions came up short with a 20-12 loss, resulting in notable changes to their postseason prospects. As bowl projections roll in, it is apparent that Penn State's offense faces heavy criticism, making their path to the playoffs challenging.

As the updated national College Football Playoff and bowl projections start to emerge, it is clear that Penn State has become the odd team out in the Big Ten East Division race, trailing behind No. 2 ranked Michigan and No. 3 ranked Ohio State. Dropping to the tenth spot in this week's Associated Press poll, the Lions also slipped out of the playoff picture in the latest bowl projections by On3 writer Andy Staples. According to Gabriela Carroll from the USA Today Network, the Lions are predicted to face off against No. 8 ranked Alabama in the Peach Bowl.

The aftermath of Penn State's lackluster performance against Ohio State has generated numerous assessments of the team's offensive struggles, both on a local and national level. The offense received unfavorable reviews across the board, with StateCollege.com's Ben Jones and PennLive's Bob Flounders grading the group with an F. Barrett Sallee of CBS Sports gave the team a C-plus overall, while Centre Daily Times writer Jon Sauber labeled the offensive playcalling as "ugly" in his "Good, Bad, and Ugly" piece.

With Penn State's offense failing to find its rhythm for the entirety of the game in Columbus, there are growing concerns about their ability to compete against top-tier opponents. The lack of production from key offensive components, including the quarterback, offensive line, and playcalling, has raised questions about the overall strategy and execution of the team.

However, it's crucial to note that despite the offensive struggles, Penn State's defense displayed resilience and held its ground against Ohio State's potent offense. The defense's commendable performance was marred by the inability of the offense to capitalize on opportunities, resulting in their defeat.

As the season progresses, Penn State will need to regroup and find solutions to their offensive woes if they hope to compete for a spot in the College Football Playoff. With tough matchups against highly ranked opponents still ahead on their schedule, the Lions must make significant adjustments to regain their footing and demonstrate their potential on the field.

Overall, the loss to Ohio State has not only reshaped Penn State's postseason outlook but also exposed significant flaws in their offensive approach. It is now up to the coaching staff and players to address these issues and work towards a more balanced and effective offensive game plan moving forward.